Formerly known as the Malagasy Republic, Madagascar occupies the fourth largest island in the world, if considering Australia as a continent. Despite its close proximity to the African mainland, the first inhabitants of Madagascar were of Polynesian descent and arrived from the Sunda Islands between 200 BC and 500 AD.
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Catharanthus roseus - Of the eight known species of periwinkles, seven are endemic to Madagascar. The rosy periwinkle is found in the eastern and southeastern regions. The slash and burn practice of clearing land for agricultural use has contributed in making the rosy periwinkle a rare sight in Madagascar, but it is easy to cultivate and can be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. The ability to self-pollinate and its high tolerance to environmental discord has allowed the rosy periwinkle to thrive beyond its native range.
